Department Head of Physical Sciences & Associate/Full Professor

Closing Date:

University of Arkansas - Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid-sized public university that's redefining higher education. We're on a mission to provide transformative, hands-on learning experiences for students of all backgrounds and aspirations. Our multi-faceted approach to education offers a wealth of opportunities, with over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. We're committed to building a diverse community that mirrors Arkansas's rich tapestry, reflecting our dedication to serving the state's varied population while enhancing the quality of our institution.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Nestled along the Arkansas River, this vibrant city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Old West at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, explore the eclectic local art scene, or take a scenic stroll along the picturesque riverfront trails. With a welcoming community, diverse dining options, and a thriving downtown, Fort Smith is the ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking modern amenities.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university. Below you will find details for the position including any supplementary documentation and/or questions you should review before submitting your application. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at (479) 788-7080.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 479-788-7080. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position to which they have applied.

Required Education and Work Experience:

The following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Doctorate in chemistry, geoscience, or physics from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated experience in an academic leadership position for at least three years, supervising others and being a team leader.
• Demonstrated experience in the effective use of technology in the classroom, developing instructional materials, and delivering distance learning
• Demonstrated Commitment to first-generation and non-traditional learners and pedagogical experience in support of a broad range of students
• Scholarly record commensurate with appointment as an associate of full professor. Applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their continuity in scholarly/creative activities. Evidence could include but is not limited to presentations at regional or national conferences, and/or publications in academic or professional journals, and/or development of published instructional materials, and/or other scholarly or creative activity as is appropriate to their academic discipline.
• Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks simultaneously

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The following competencies are preferred for the essential functions of this position:

• Ability to effectively teach a wide range of entry-level general education courses with the candidate's disciplinary expertise, many to non-majors and first-generation students, and to model highly effective teaching
• Commitment to professional development in all aspects as a faculty member, including teaching, scholarship, and service and fostering these attributes in the departmental faculty
• Ability to administer academic programs, including scheduling, evaluation, and budgeting
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and administrators to achieve departmental, college, and university goals
• Attention to maintenance of facilities and technology, including physical science-specific technology and laboratories
• Strong work ethic and time management

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Administrative

• Provide effective leadership and administration of the Department of Physical Sciences by facilitating the vision, mission, goals, objectives, and activities of the Department as consistent with those of the College and University
• Manage the Department's fiscal year budget, faculty travel, purchases of Departmental materials, and other expenses
• Create semester course schedules and make appropriate adjustments to the course schedule based on program and student needs
• Coordinate outreach, marketing, and fundraising to support departmental programs
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating collaboratively to foster teamwork and collegiality and to provide academic leadership for the Department
• Effectively participate in conflict resolution when needed

Teaching

• Teach various courses in their area of expertise and others as needed. High-quality instruction in multiple modalities is preferred and may include in-person, hybrid, sync-online, full-online, 8-week, and 16-week classes.
• Demonstrate a solid commitment to student success and mentoring students, particularly first-generation students

Scholarship

• Participate in scholarly and research activities that involve student researchers
• Encourage and advocate for scholarly and research activities in department faculty

Service

• Participate in service at the departmental, college, university, community, and professional levels
• Collaborate with other campus leaders in college and university administration, including meeting and working with other chairs/chairs to assist the Dean with College initiatives and goals

Other duties as assigned by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Approximate Breakdown:

• 50% Administrative
• 35% Classroom Instruction, teaching 15 credit hours per academic year
• 10% Scholarly Activity, including directing undergraduate research as needed
• 5% Additional Service Activities

Additional Information:

Working Relationships: Works closely with administrators, faculty, students, and staff campus-wide. Maintains collegial relationships with instructors and students from area high schools, junior high schools, and elementary schools for specially scheduled events.

Special Job Dimensions: This is a 12-month position. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. It includes a generous benefits package, including UA System health insurance, TIAA retirement system, and more.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.